With its elegant label and prestigious reputation, the 2018 Ausone Bordeaux Blend from Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France is a wine that demands attention. This red wine, with its deep garnet-purple color, exudes sophistication and refinement from the moment it is poured into the glass.
On the nose, this wine reveals fragrant black and blue berry aromas, accompanied by a subtle hint of old balsamic vinegar and a touch of volatile character. It is a wine that is ripe and rich, displaying a surprisingly mature personality. The richness and structure of this wine are undeniable, although it lacks the clarity that is characteristic of the best wines of this vintage.
The palate of the 2018 Ausone is medium to full-bodied, with a tight and nuanced character that requires focus to fully unravel its complexity. The initial layers of ripe, rich black and blue fruit eventually give way to an earthy and minerally subtext that adds depth and dimension to the wine. The tension in this wine is fantastically well-knit, leading to an incredibly long and memorable finish.
Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2018 Ausone a perfect score of 100 points, describing it as a wine that will shake the foundation of your senses. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, a reviewer for the same publication, highlights the wine's jaw-dropping perfume of ripe black cherries, wild blueberries, and plum preserves, along with its suggestions of candied violets, molten chocolate, licorice, and crushed rocks.
Other critics, such as James Suckling, Wine Enthusiast, and Decanter, have also praised this wine for its power, intensity, and potential for long-term aging. Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, is in awe of the depth of flavor and incredible sense of minerality and purity that this wine possesses.
Overall, the 2018 Ausone is a wine that exemplifies the best of Bordeaux. Its complexity, structure, and depth make it a wine that will continue to evolve and delight for years to come. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is a true gem in the world of Bordeaux blends.